Trauma Therapist in Chicago  

What You May be Experiencing

If you’re here, you might be feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in patterns you can’t quite explain. Maybe you’ve tried pushing through—but something still feels off in your body or relationships. Trauma can show up in a variety of different ways. Here are some common examples of what you may be noticing:

• Constant anxiety, even when things seem “fine”

• Trouble sleeping or feeling chronically fatigued

• Difficulty trusting others or feeling close

• Overreacting to small things—or feeling numb to everything

• Panic, shame, or flashbacks you can’t control

• Feeling disconnected from your body, your emotions, or your sense of self

• Substance abuse or disordered eating

• Perfectionism and overthinking 

• Narcissism

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These are common signs of trauma—and they’re not your fault. They are also not mutually exclusive or all contained within this list. Whether the trauma you’ve experienced was a single overwhelming event or a pattern of subtle, ongoing harm, your body and mind have adapted to help you survive. Therapy offers a space to gently unravel these adaptations so you can reconnect with safety, agency, and vitality.

 

What Is Trauma, Really?

Trauma isn’t just about what happened to you—it’s about how your nervous system experienced it. This means even experiences that others might dismiss or minimize—like being chronically dismissed, emotionally neglected, or living in a state of fear—can be deeply traumatic. When a trigger in the present day happens that literally looks anything like that experience of trauma, the nervous system responds as if the previous trauma was happening again. What should be a small thing can cause a HUGE reaction. Sound familiar?

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I specialize in working with:

• Complex trauma and developmental trauma

• Childhood emotional neglect and attachment wounds

• Sexual, physical, or emotional abuse

• Trauma tied to identity, including LGBTQ+ experiences

• Single-event traumas like accidents, assaults, or sudden losses

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If you want a deeper dive, here’s What Is Trauma?—a guide to understanding how trauma shows up emotionally, physically, and relationally.

 

How I Approach Trauma Therapy  

Healing trauma isn’t about “just talking.” It’s about safely accessing and working with the deeper layers of your experience—emotional, somatic, and relational. My style is collaborative, trauma-informed, and grounded in the belief that healing happens in relationship. My style is also less focused on "coping", while initially that may be necessary, and more focused on healing -- helping your body feel safe again so triggers just aren't as prevalent.

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Here’s how I support clients in therapy:

💠 Somatically Informed Therapy

We’ll gently reconnect with your body—where trauma often lives. I help you notice and work with physical sensations, tension, and nervous system cues, so healing can happen from the bottom up.

🌀 EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing helps your brain reprocess stuck traumatic memories. EMDR can bring real relief from emotional pain, flashbacks, or looping thoughts.

🌿 Internal Family Systems (IFS)

IFS allows you to explore the parts of yourself that carry pain, protect you, or feel reactive. Together, we’ll create space for healing by connecting with your core Self—compassionate, wise, and grounded.

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These modalities work together to meet you where you are. Some sessions might focus more on the body; others may explore deep emotions or internal parts. You set the pace. You’re in charge of your process.

 

Why Work with a Trauma Therapist?

Therapy can be life-changing and isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s most effective when it feels safe, supportive, and attuned to who you are. Clients often experience:

 

• Emotional Regulation -- Learn how to work with your emotions instead of running away from them

• Improved Relationships -- Build deeper connections and trust—starting with yourself.

• Lasting Resilience -- Discover your inner strength and feel empowered in the face of life’s challenges.

 

Whether you're recovering from childhood trauma, navigating a recent experience, or simply feeling disconnected from yourself, trauma-informed therapy offers a path forward.

 

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?  

At Chris Peters Psychotherapy, I’m here to help you reconnect with your body, shift old patterns, and align your life with what matters most to you.

 

Take the first step today. Reach out now to schedule your free consultation with a trauma therapist in Chicago who truly understands your journey.

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🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ Affirming | Trauma-Informed | EMDR & IFS-Based | Somatically Informed

📍 In-person sessions in Chicago  | 💻 Online sessions available across Illinois and California

4043 N Ravenswood Ave, STE 306B Chicago, IL 60613